Nick's Boathouse, Pensacola

By Bob Ford

I’ve driven by it often over the years.  Sandwiched on Pensacola Bay between Blue Wahoos Stadium and Joe Patti’s Seafood, the restaurant is almost out of sight behind a larger office building.  Shivering on motorcycles in 50-degree weather created the perfect opportunity for a couple of us to seek warmth and nourishment overlooking the Inner Harbor.

The daily special chalkboard just inside the door at Nick’s Boathouse offered striped bass with beurre blanc sauce.  We’re sold. Promptly greeted by the hostess and seated at the large windows overlooking the water (and outdoor seating that would be welcome in warmer weather), our server Emily delivered menus.  Options are plentiful including gulf coast familiars like shrimp and oysters, but also an impressive assortment of local fish, crab claws, snow crab, inventive sandwiches, salads, and soups….yes, gumbo.

At our table, the striped bass was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented with collars.  A Crab Cake appetizer was anything but a small plate….easily a splittable entree.  The crabcakes came atop fried green tomatoes with corn maque choux and andouille sausage with remoulade sauce.

Nick’s offers brunch served in their stylish dining rooms with softly moving overhead horizontal bamboo fans, on Saturdays and Sundays.

And of course, there’s a full bar. I’ll be back!